The everyday care that keeps healthy smiles healthy.

What general dentistry covers

General dentistry is the broad category of care that most patients need most often. At our Highland Park practice, that includes routine preventive care, diagnostic imaging, restorative work, and periodontal (gum) treatment — all under one roof, by the same team you know.

• Comprehensive exams & digital x-rays — a thorough review of teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues at every visit
• Professional cleanings by our long-tenured hygienists — typically twice a year, more often if needed
• Fillings (tooth-colored composite) to restore cavities invisibly
• Crowns to protect and strengthen teeth that are cracked, worn, or heavily restored
• Root canal therapy for infected or severely decayed teeth — often saving a tooth that might otherwise be lost
• Extractions when saving the tooth isn't the right call
• Dentures & partials — full or partial, custom-fit for comfort and natural appearance
• Periodontal (gum) care including scaling and root planing for early and moderate gum disease
• Oral cancer screenings as part of every routine exam
• Treatment for canker sores and other soft-tissue discomfort — in-office relief, often in a single visit

Who it's for

Just about everyone. Adults who want to stay ahead of problems. Parents building healthy habits for their kids. Patients returning after a few years away who want to get back on track. People dealing with sensitivity, pain, or a cosmetic concern they've been putting off.

The honest truth: the most common reason people avoid the dentist is past experiences that felt rushed, uncomfortable, or judgmental. We work hard to not be that. You'll be listened to before you're treated.

What a typical visit looks like

A standard preventive visit runs 45 – 60 minutes. Here's roughly how it flows:

1. Check-in & update — any medication changes, new concerns, anything that's been bothering you
2. Digital x-rays if due (most patients get bitewings yearly, a full set every few years)
3. Hygienist cleaning — removing tartar and plaque, polishing, and a fluoride treatment if appropriate
4. Oral cancer screening — quick visual and palpation exam of the soft tissues
5. Dr. Kreitman's exam — reviewing the x-rays with you, checking every tooth, and talking through anything that warrants attention
6. Planning — if any treatment is recommended, we walk you through timing, options, and cost clearly

Infection control & safety

We follow infection-control protocols set by OSHA, the CDC, and the EPA — without exception. Most supplies are single-use. Reusable instruments are sterilized in our autoclave to the current standard of care. Operatory surfaces are disinfected between every patient. Every team member wears appropriate PPE and washes with antibacterial soap throughout the day. It's the kind of thing you shouldn't have to think about — which is exactly why we think about it constantly.

Our technology

We use Schick by Sirona digital radiography. Compared to traditional film x-rays, digital sensors use a fraction of the radiation, produce high-resolution images instantly, and let us enhance views to catch decay and structural issues earlier. We review your images with you on-screen — nothing mysterious, nothing hidden.

Frequently asked questions

How often do I really need to come in?

For most adults with healthy teeth and gums, every six months is the right rhythm. If you have a history of periodontal disease, frequent cavities, or other risk factors, we may recommend every three or four months. If you've been away longer than that, don't worry — we'll meet you where you are, no lectures.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with most major PPO dental insurance plans as an out-of-network provider and will file claims on your behalf as a courtesy. Please call or email us with your insurance details and we'll verify your specific coverage before your visit.

I haven't been to a dentist in years. Is that a problem?

Not for us. A lot of our favorite new patients start that sentence exactly that way. We'll take a thorough look, talk through what we see with zero judgment, and build a plan around what matters most to you — not a generic checklist.

What if I have dental anxiety?

Tell us. Really. We go slower, explain more, stop whenever you need a break, and offer comforts (headphones, blankets, pillows) that many patients find genuinely helpful. Many of our most loyal patients started out terrified of the chair.

Do you treat patients of all ages?

Yes — we treat patients of all ages, from 2 to 102! We care for the whole family.